Fire crews from across Huntingdonshire drafted in after arson attack on 750-tonne stack of straw in Brampton

The smouldering heap of straw after arsonists struck in Brampton. Picture: CAMBS FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE.

Firefighters from all over Huntingdonshire battled a blaze after a 750-tonne stack of straw was set on fire.

At least 30 firefighters, with crews from Huntingdon, Kimbolton, St Neots, Yaxley, St Ives and Sawtry, went to Grafham Road, Brampton, at 2.19am this morning (Friday). This is the third stack fire in Huntingdonshire in less than a week. Both of those fires, in Wennington and Warboys, were also deliberate. However, police said that they are not linking the incidents at this time.

Crews used hose reel jets and fans to increase the speed of the fire and help it to burn quicker - stopping it spreading to nearby farm buildings. They will remain at the scene today to continue to control it until it burns out.

Incident commander Callum Faint said: “The crews arrived to find a large, well developed stack fire close to a number of buildings. The immediate priority was to ensure the fire did not spread any further. They worked extremely hard to control the fire and prevented it from spreading.

“Stack fires can be extremely dangerous and result in a loss not only to the farmer who loses stock, but also to the fire service as our resources remain tied up for long periods of time. They can also be difficult to extinguish and can burn for many days, significantly impacting on our resources and the local community.

“Therefore, we’re urging local residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”